DEL MAR (CNS/CBS 8) - The man who was struck and killed by a train while chasing his dog across a coastal bluff near Powerhouse Park was identified Saturday as former Del Mar Mayor Lou Terrell, a county supervisor said.

The northbound Amtrak locomotive hit Terrell off the 100 block of 11th Street in Del Mar shortly before 3:30 p.m. Friday, according to sheriff's officials.

Sheriff's Sgt. Anthony O'Boyle said that based on witness statements and the preliminary investigation, the 75-year-old had apparently been walking his dog off-leash on the bluff on the west side of the tracks. The train's engineer blasted his horn as he spotted then, which startled the animal, the sergeant said.

The dog then headed toward the tracks, and Terrell attempted to prevent his pet from being struck, and in turn was struck himself, according to O'Boyle. He died at the scene.

The former councilmember and community activist was a visionary in seeing a better future for Del Mar.

"He would be remembered for all of the things he did, all of his passion. He worked on the Del Mar Foundation and brought our summer concerts...all the events of the foundation and what he's done for Del Mar," Haydu said.

One of Terrell's friends told CBS News 8, that crossing the tracks was a daily routine for the retired SDSU professor and his Labrador retriever.

Haydu says she's a better person for having known Terrell and says she won't forget that infectious smile.

"It was the Lou smile I would call it...and just a very genuine person, very easy to talk to," she said.

The North County Transit District provided bus service between Solana Beach and Sorrento Valley for rail commuters facing delays due to the fatality. Coaster train service was expected to be running behind schedule into the evening hours, the agency advised.

A celebration of life for Terrell is planned for 10 a.m. Sunday at the Powerhouse Community Center, at 1658 Coast Blvd. in Del Mar, according to county Supervisor Dave Roberts.

A five year old girl's dream came true today with the help of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Leona, who lives in San Marcos and is battling cancer, wished to have the ultimate pirate ship playhouse in her backyard.

A five year old girl's dream came true today with the help of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Leona, who lives in San Marcos and is battling cancer, wished to have the ultimate pirate ship playhouse in her backyard.

Few of us really know how our coworkers spend their time when they are off the clock. In Thursday's Zevely Zone, Jeff gets to know Ryan Brothers - a writer here at KFMB Stations and News 8 - who put his own signature on Mission Trails Regional Park.

Few of us really know how our coworkers spend their time when they are off the clock. In Thursday's Zevely Zone, Jeff gets to know Ryan Brothers - a writer here at KFMB Stations and News 8 - who put his own signature on Mission Trails Regional Park.

At least one person was killed Saturday morning in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 in San Diego.

At least one person was killed Saturday morning in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 in San Diego. The crash was reported at 3:51 a.m. on northbound I-5 north of Carmel Mountain Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A local company is on the cutting edge of ocean exploration using unmanned vehicles powered by wind and sun and the future looks bright for these ocean drones, which currently are being tested off the coast of San Diego.

A local company is on the cutting edge of ocean exploration using unmanned vehicles powered by wind and sun and the future looks bright for these ocean drones, which currently are being tested off the coast of San Diego.